Everlyn was quick to head up to her apartment.
She could still see the confused look on Noah's face at her last words. But it was true.

No one could save her. She didn't trust a single person in the entire world to help her. As she pulled out her key, his words kept replaying over and over in her mind.

Then let's not be strangers, let's be friends.

They repeated again and again. She closed her eyes and grasped the key in her hand as she approached her apartment door.

Friends.

Had he really meant that? They didn't even know each other. And in all honesty, the thought terrified her. Of course, she'd had friends back in Maryland during high school.

A best friend, in fact. That was before she moved away from home. Everlyn hadn't spoken to her best friend in years. And she doubted Amy was waiting for her.

She probably moved on.

Everlyn squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. Noah was just trying to be nice. That was it. There was nothing else to it. He probably just wanted to make her smile in the middle of her breakdown. Her very inappropriate, embarrassing breakdown.

Well then know this, Everlyn Johnson. It is now my duty as a friend to help you and make sure you are happy.

Everlyn grit her teeth and forced herself to push open the door. Warm air immediately hit her, making her sigh in relief. Her damp clothes were clinging to her skin, and the feeling was becoming uncomfortable. She entered quietly, checking her surroundings before scurrying towards her bedroom.

Her apartment was small, with a kitchen, living room, and one small bedroom. It didn't take long for her to search the rooms.

Empty.

No one was there. Just as it should be.

Everlyn let out a breath she didn't know she was holding before heading towards her dresser to grab a dry outfit. After a quick shower, she slipped on the dry clothes and braided her damp hair.

When she was finished, she found herself staring into the mirror. The first glance made her flinch. Deep bags hung under her eyes, and then there was that bruise on her chin she'd managed to hide with her makeup.

Everlyn's gazed into her eyes. Truly studied them. Years ago, her friends and family would have been the first to tell her how beautiful and happy her eyes were. Of course, she'd never understood how her eyes can look happy, but now she knew.

Life. There was no life in her eyes now.

No happiness.

It is now my duty as a friend to help you and make sure you are happy.

She shook her head and stepped away from the mirror, feeling tears in her eyes once again. But she wouldn't cry. She'd already cried enough that day.
Everlyn made her way out of the bathroom, enjoying the feel of the cool wood flooring against her feet.

Her stomach growled, making her pause and glance at the clock. Almost three in the afternoon. She still hadn't eaten lunch yet.

Again, she peeked into each room she stepped into, making sure no one was waiting. Her stomach was a nervous knot, and her hands began to shake. Nothing. There was no one there. Everlyn let out a sigh of relief and then went to work making a bowl of cereal.

When she was finished, she quietly made her way to the living room. Darkness enveloped her. Her breathing grew shallow as she fumbled along the wall in search for the lightswitch. Fear slowly began to take over. When she finally felt the switch, she was gasping for breath and it felt as if there was a heavy weight on her chest.

The light switched on, and she gasped in relief. But that relief vanished and she screamed as she saw what was waiting on the couch. Or, she should say, who. Her trembling fumbled with the bowl and it shattered against the hardwood floor.

The man smirked at her. "Miss me?"